BROCTON – As summer approaches, the code enforcement officer for Brocton has been busy helping the village take shape.

Code Enforcement Officer Alan Gustaphson reported to members of the village board of trustees last week on the activities he has in motion as the summer season approaches.

Updating board members of the previously discussed topic of inspecting the electrical lines on properties that have been vacant for a period of time before service is re-energized, Gustaphson noted that he has checked with other municipalities similar in size to Brocton to see what’s on record.

“Everyone I’ve talked to has set a policy,” he told board members.

Mayor Dave Hazelton asked Gustaphson to obtain any copies he can of those policies so that the village can formulate a proposed policy and allow Electrical Lineman Joe Majkowski and Gustaphson to perform them as needed.

He also reported to the trustees Wednesday evening that a total of three properties in Brocton are listed on the Chautauqua County tax sale advertisement, including the burned property at 101 Mill St.

Gustaphson also noted to the board that he has met with the homeowner of the most recently burned home on Highland Avenue and that the Tri-Church Parish fire has been released from investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office.

Gustaphson and Trustee Gary Planty would like pedestrians in the village to be advised that the Tri-Church Parish property is roped off and that pedestrian traffic should not be cutting across the lawn of the property for safety reasons.

“I know a lot of people like to cut through there on their way to and from the Country Fair store, or elsewhere, but it is roped off and people shouldn’t be cutting through there,” stated Planty.

As residents begin to open their pools for warm weather, Gustaphson also noted to the board that handouts with visual examples of acceptable pools and/or necessary fencing requirements will be made available at Village Hall, as well as being posted.

In other matters, Majkowski was recognized officially by the board of trustees Wednesday in honor of April 18 being Electric Lineman Appreciation Day established by the United States Senate. The village’s only electrical employee was given a round of applause Wednesday for his hard work, dedication and safe- keeping of Brocton’s electrical supply, especially during emergency situations.

Mayor Hazelton also acknowledged a gift and correspondence received by his office thanking public works and streets supervisor for the village, Tom Allen, and his crew for their efforts clearing snow throughout the winter. Included was a gift certificate for the department to use at the Green Arch Restaurant.

Board members also resolved to donate leftover fencing used at the streets department tool house to the Brocton/Portland Little League for use in repairing their fence.

Before the close of the meeting, two bids were opened for the sale of timber taken off of the village’s watershed property. Derek Burns was the recipient of the timber with the highest bid offered.

The mayor also announced the availability of two alternate zoning board of appeals seats, following the recent passing of Linda Parisio, who served the village as a ZBA member. In her vacancy, Kari Doino was established as a regular member, leaving a vacancy for alternate members to serve. Interested parties should contact village hall for more information.